Buying your wine before its time
I was looking for a particular bottle in my cellar last weekend and it was really bugging me that I couldn't get my hands on it right away. My storage problems began when my kids were born and only got worse as they journeyed from crib to university and beyond. Seriously, who could have imagined they wanted their own room with no wine bottles in it?
Okay I'm kidding, just a bit, but staring at the mass of bottles jammed into every nook and cranny, between the shelves that are full to the brim, with old and aging wine, I now realize my mistake. I was so determined to have a wine cellar I forgot I should be drinking as much wine as I'm storing. Especially if I ever want to get from one side to the other without a dozen bottles falling to the floor or, worse yet, having to move every case between me and the wall.
So before I convince you to create your own small stash of wine (they all start out small, by the way), the best advice I would offer aspiring wine collectors is to remember that eventually all wine is made to be consumed, so don't forget to open a few bottles along the way. After that it's up to you to choose the best method of "investing" your time and money in wine.
What is clear is that buying wine at today's prices and waiting for it to mature in your cellar makes sound economic sense. Not only will you save the premium that years of aging adds to the retail cost of wine, but a decade down the road you will be assured of owning a scarce and valuable commodity.
But investing in wine is not just about the money. Marking time in a wine cellar is essential to the development of fine wine. During the aging period the harsh, angular components of youth give way to the rounder, more complex flavours that are the hallmark of fine, old, mature wine.
The long maturation period offers other possibilities as well. Many collectors now "put down" wines to mark special events such as their child's birthday or their wedding anniversary. Imagine celebrating your birthday every year with a wine as old as you are that you have owned for years. It's a very neat prospect.
Planning that far in advance means doing some research about the people and the wines they make. Before you know it, the culture, history, geology and geography of the world's top wine regions will become part of you education.
Knowing what to buy is a continuing project that requires regular maintenance. Wine publications are good sources of information. Yes, even this column from time to time can be useful to collectors. That said, the key to building a working wine cellar is patience and persistence. Remember, crib to university is easily two decades.
In terms of cost, quality and quantity, always keep in mind that you are not buying wine for next week. If the difference between a good wine and a great wine is only a few dollars, always buy the better wine. Believe me; the few extra dollars will look like a bargain a decade from now.
As for quality -- don't waste your money on famous wines from poor vintages. There are too many excellent wines now made worldwide for you to squander your hard-earned cash on a name wine that doesn't measure up.